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Southern Sri Lanka Mini Tour: 3-Day Private Tour
Spend 3 memorable days with a full-day safari at Yala national park. You will be travelling along the south and west coast while encountering ancient Forts, pristine beaches, wildlife parks teeming with elephants, leopards and bears, and picturesque hill country on this 3-day private tour.
Trace the famous tourist places on the south coast on this rollicking 3-day tour of Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Yala and Nuwara Eliya, as well as part of Sri Lanka's hill country. Explore the icons and discover local spots in the perfect introduction to the pristine beaches in the south. Begin in throbbing Colombo and explore the spice gardens, museums, and forts by walk and drive. Travel to the most famous national park in Sri Lanka, Yala, which is one of the most popular for spotting leopards. At the same time, encounter the Galle Fort, which is the most popular iconic tourist attraction in the south and also a UNESCO world heritage site.
This 3-day tour offers the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to Sri Lanka. The trip includes round-trip private transport from Bandaranaike International Airport or your hotel in Colombo, Mount Lavinia, Negombo or any other beach resort on the west coast.
Start: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Finish: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Group size: min. 1 person
Nature of tour: Private
Why you'll love this trip
- The trip includes all sightseeing and transfers on private vehicles.
- The hassle-free trip includes all necessary components of the trip, such as accommodation, meals, transportation, guiding, and taxes. Serendipity takes care of all of it.
- Trekking through the tea garden, Ceylon tea trail, and spice garden.
- Guided walking tour of Galle fort to witness ancient constructions.
- Safari in T. Yala national park to see wild creatures such as leopards, crocodiles, elephants, deer, bears, etc.
- Take a break from bustling cities in the hill country resort of Nuwara Eliya, where you can catch your breath and spend the night in the faded opulence of your heritage stay.
- This trip is perfect for people who like to get the most out of a 3-day trip to Sri Lanka, as long travel days are kept to a minimum on an itinerary that hits several icons of central Sri Lanka.
Is this trip right for you?
- This compact trip packs a lot. It’s one of the most popular Sri Lanka trips we run in our original style, perfect for those with little time and a desire to do the most with it. If you are after a more leisurely trip or an adventure trip, please browse our tour itinerary page.
- In Sri Lanka, it can be extremely hot in the summer. While we organize our walking tours and city tours early in the morning or evening, when it’s cooler, remember to keep water on you and to bring a hat, sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt, and anything else that will protect you from the sun.
- Part of travelling with Serendipity means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way, you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. We visited a number of temples on this trip and to enter them, you must have clothes that cover your wrists and below the knee. Please click here to learn more about the rules and regulations pertaining to Sri Lanka temple visits.
Places you visit on this trip
- Yala national park (Safari).
- Galle Fort (1 hour, 30 minutes' walk in the garden).
- Sri Lanka Tea plantations tour. Read more on the Sri Lanka tea plantation tour.
- Spice and herbal gardens and learn about dozens of spices and herbs grown in Sri Lanka.
- Madu River Estuary (river safari).
- Mask Museum.
- Hikkaduwa beach.
Highlights
- Touring Sri Lanka's south and west coast.
- Nuwara Eliya sightseeing tour and visiting downtown.
- Walking through the Spice Garden while learning about herbal trees, plants and spices (this will be an easy walk that lasts about an hour).
- Walk in the tea plantations, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, and many more (the walk in the botanical; garden lasts around 1 hour, and you will cover about 2 km).
- Visiting a tea factory (Scottish) and seeing the entire process of tea manufacturing and taste a cup of unblended Ceylon tea.
- A wildlife safari of Yala national Park is in search of leopards, wild elephants, crocodiles, bears, jackals and other wild creatures with a local guide and driver.
Hotels
This tour includes accommodation in a 4-star standard hotel, please inquire about other categories of hotels if required.
Trip includes
- 2 nights (3 days) of accommodation in standard hotels
- Daily Breakfast at the Hotel: 2 breakfasts (starting from day 2)
- Daily dinner at the hotel, 2 dinners (starting from day 1)
- Nuwara Eliya sightseeing tour
- Ceylon tea trail
- An Ayurveda spa treatment
- Entrance fees for
- guided walking tour of Galle Fort
- Madu river safari
- Mask Museum
- Spice garden
- Sea turtle conservation project
- Tea factory and tea tasting
- All-inclusive Yala national park safari (with jeep hire)
- Pickup and drop-off at the airport or local hotels
- All passengers are fully insured during the sightseeing tours
- Meeting arrangements at the airport
- Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned, modern, fuel-efficient private vehicle
- Service of an English-speaking driver/guide for the entire tour (please inquire about other languages)
- Driver/guide meals and lodging
- Highway toll
- All current taxes
Trip excludes
- The expenses of personal nature, such as telephones and the Internet
- Gratuities
Cancellation policy
Cancel five days prior to arrival for a full refund
Choose your payment method
We offer you mainly three payment options: credit card payments, bank transfers or payment on arrival. You can choose whatever is the most convenient payment option for you. If you opt for payment on arrival, we will collect a 25% advance payment from you as a guarantee, once the booking is confirmed.
Optional Activities
You can take part in one of our regular charity works by dedicating a few hours of your day. We arrange charity activities such as distributing food, school items, and medicine among the kids and poor people, and everything is funded by our company. Please let us know in advance if you wish to attend one of those special occasions so that we can organize it near your hotel.
Best price guaranteed
We guarantee the best price. If you find the same tour package at a cheaper price elsewhere, we do match the price of other tour packages and, furthermore, add a 10% discount to it.
No hidden fees and commissions
The price you see on this page is the exact same price that you see in the final stage of the trip booking. There are no hidden fees or taxes, such as GST, BTT, service charge, nation-building tax, hotel tax, etc.
Additional information
- The trip can be booked with a single room for the entire trip with a single supplement (please inquire about your chosen category of hotel)
- confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- A current, valid passport is required on the day of travel
- child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- An adult must be with children at all times.
- The duration of transfers is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats are available
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity.
- You can reach us 24 hours a day through our hotline, 0094-77-4440977.
Itineraries
Day 1
Colombo / Bentota / Galle / Yala
Your private chauffeur guide will pick you up at the Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (or your hotel in Colombo) and take you on the approximately six-hour trip to Yala via Galle (during which you will stop for sightseeing along the way).
Stop Located midway between Colombo and Yala National Park, Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most popular tourist destination in southern Sri Lanka.
The Madu River is home to a diverse array of animals, including monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and a vast variety of aquatic and avian species; a safari through this Ramsar wetland is a trip you won't soon forget.
The moonstone mines, sea turtle conservation project, spice garden, and mask museum are among the highlights of the itinerary.
Sea turtle conservation project
Efforts have been made to preserve the dwindling turtle population in areas around the southern coast of Sri Lanka, where the reptiles land to nest. The female turtle excavates a nesting hole on the beach, deposits her eggs inside, and then covers the nest with sand so that the eggs may be incubated by the sun's warmth. Typically, fishermen would dig up the eggs and sell them to consumers.
The conservation initiatives now purchase the eggs and hatch them naturally in cages, protecting the young from predatory birds; after two days, the young are released at night into the ocean, where they have a higher chance of survival.
Spice/Herbal Garden
Stop by a Bentota spice garden to see where some of the herbs and spices used in Sri Lankan cooking and medicine are cultivated. Early seafaring traders were drawn to Sri Lanka by its spices and made the treacherous journey to the island to stock up.
Madu River safari
Because of its biological significance on a worldwide scale, this location was designated a "Ramsar Wetland" in 2003; it is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka, covering an enormous 915 hectares and including 23 islands that are home to approximately 300 people. The Coast Conservation Department has designated the River Sanctuary as both a tourist development area and a special area managed (SAM). The 'Madu Ganga' is located at Balapitiya.
Galle City Tour
Galle, a historical port on the island of Sri Lanka, played a significant role in the Silk Road. The Dutch, who came after the Portuguese, extensively fortified the area after discovering it. The United Nations has designated this fortification as a World Heritage Site.
Galle Fort
People of many different backgrounds and faiths call the fort home today, adding to its rich tapestry of history. The government of Sri Lanka is planning to make this a contemporary wonder of the world, and many Dutch citizens still own residences within the fort. For its exceptional presentation of "an urban ensemble that illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries," the fort has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv.
Part of the shoreline of Galle town was destroyed by the tsunami on Boxing Day, but the Dutch Fort, commonly known as the "Ramparts of Galle," held strong. It was fixed afterward. The Dutch Reformed Church in Galle Fort is next to the luxurious Amangalla resort hotel. In 1684, it was constructed as a residence for the Dutch Governor and his officials. In 1865, it was transformed into a hotel and renamed the New Oriental Hotel to serve the growing number of Europeans traveling through Galle Port on their way to and from Europe.
Unawatuna Beach
Located 125 kilometers from Sri Lanka's capital city of Colombo, Unawatuna Beach is a popular tourist destination. Some say this stretch of palm-fringed sand, which is around 4 kilometers long, is one of the world's top 12 beaches. Anyone who longs to relax in the calm of the ocean and swim in its deep blue waves will find heaven on this beach. The beach is sheltered by a reef, making it an ideal place to go swimming. This southern beach's shallow waters are a key draw for swimmers and scuba divers. A coral reef that is suitable for snorkeling is within its range and is easily accessible.
Hikkaduwa Beach
One of the most visited places in all of southern Sri Lanka is Hikkaduwa. Located 98 kilometers south of Colombo, this city is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning beaches. It's where you may witness the weird and wonderful animals that live in the ocean's depths if you dare to venture there. This area is home to the world-famous coral gardens. Get yourself some snorkeling gear or a boat with a see-through bottom.
Accommodation
Stay at Yala.
Day 2
Yala
Have breakfast before you head out to Yala National Park for a safari.
The full-day jeep safari covers territory that is often off-limits to safari-goers. More than six hours will pass on the safari. Elephants, elk, mungos, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, buffalo, etc. are just few of the many creatures that may be spotted here. Your own vehicle and driver will set up a picnic for you in a scenic spot, complete with tasty rice and curry and fruit for dessert.
Accommodation
Overnight stay in Yala
Day 3
Yala / Nuwara Eliya / Colombo
Travel through the hill highlands of Sri Lanka on the way to Colombo, stopping at Gregory Lake, the Sita Amman Temple, and the Haggala Botanical Gardens after breakfast.
The Haggala Botanical Garden is a must-see if you're in Sri Lanka; it's one of the largest and most well-known gardens in the country and is home to a wide variety of plant life. Spend about an hour strolling the garden.
Gregory Lake
In addition to seeing Balay Bazar, an oriental bazaar, you'll go on a walking tour of Nuwara Eliya. Return to your hotel in Colombo after your sightseeing trip
End of the tour
Victor– :
As an avid traveler, I firmly believe that Seerendipity provides the finest value tours with top-notch itineraries and total peace of mind to fully experience Sri Lanka (based on my internet research).
Roamy– :
It was an incredible South Coast visit of Sri Lanka. 2 years back we had a tour with serendipity tours, visited some other places. This time we especially searched for a trip to the south coast when we wanted to take a quick vacation. With its national parks, stunning beaches, temples, forts, and picturesque landscape, the vacation was fantastic. Despite having been there before, I still learned a lot. The tour guide’s expertise was outstanding. Seerendipity and this excursion are highly recommended.
Camilia– :
I had an excellent tour of southern Sri Lanka with ramesh. We visted numerous attractions like forts, beaches, lagoons, wildlife parks, and ancient temples. He knew I was hungry at the end of our tour, so he even took me out for dinner. He was incredibly nice, thoughtful, and polite. After that, he re-routed the lastd ay trip witjh permission of hios office and dropped me at my beach resort. Strongly advise.
Ivan Skott– :
Romesh was perfect. He was knowledgeable but not stiff-he was very easy going, fun, flexible, protective, respectful and very easy to understand. We learned a great deal from him. I would highly recommend southenr Sri Lanak tour.
Simone– :
Seeing Sri Lanka’s southern coast was made possible via this journey. amazing experience in South Coats Beach, Galle Fort, Mirissa Whale Watching, and Wildlife Tour. Good meal and comfortable lodging made this a vacation well worth it. Having a very personable and competent tour guide who could transmit his information in a concise and humorous manner made the experience even better.
Reana– :
I had an amazing trip around the Sri Lanka’s south coast. It is genuinely unique and an absolute must in Sri Lanka that will make a lasting impression. Our guide was jaya, he was knowledgeable about the places we visited and knew all the shortcuts and proper routes. Additionally, he captured amazing photos since he has “an eye” for memories. He is a well-mannered, courteous, and kind individual. Being a single woman was really comfortable for me.
Raam– :
Absolutely Wonderful!
Nothing bad or sneaky was added or charged for. There were no problems at all during our.
Thank you very much to Mr. Nusri, our tour guide.
Besides being very polite, he always gave us good information.
We admire how kind and welcoming he is.
Kirtesh– :
My trip through southern Sri Lanka was an exciting and educational adventure. I had a lot of different experiences that made me appreciate the country’s culture and beauty even more. Our tour guide, Sarath, was an important part of making this trip great. His deep understanding of Sri Lankan history and society made our explorations more interesting. Every day went easily because Sarath was always on time, professional, and flexible. His desire to share his country with others was contagious, and the fact that he could put together such a varied schedule showed how knowledgeable he was.
Bernard– :
It was interesting and fun for me to travel around Sri Lanka. The different things I did in the country, like seeing the stunning south coast beaches, the peaceful Galle fort, the thrilling wildlife watching, the relaxing river safari, and the busy streets of Colombo, made me deeply appreciate its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The trip we took was amazing thanks in large part to our host, Ladip. His deep knowledge of Sri Lankan society and history added new depth to our research. Ladip was always on time, professional, and flexible, which made every day easy. His passion for showing off his home country was inspiring, and the variety of the plans he made showed how skilled he was.
Ladip is a great guide and friend, and Sri Lanka is a great place to go on vacation. They went on a trip together that no one will ever forget.
Nelly– :
Gayan led our southern Sri Lanka tour. He was very skilled and knew a lot. Helped us remember our holidays. I really suggest him.
Ivan– :
Can have a nice time on the beautiful beaches during the trip. same times had a wildlife safari, and we wanted to see the leopards, but not chance this time. But southern Sri Lanka tour was a nice program and very interesting itinerary for a 3 days tour. Amara was extremely knowledgeable about the Sri Lanka, its culture, wildlife and the history of srilanka. Hhe was friendly and very accommodating to our needs. We very highly recommend srilanka 3 days tour.
evie– :
It was our second visit to Sri Lanka and we wanted to see some interesting places in south of the country and we wanted to spend more time on relaxing. 3 days Sri Lanka tour to southern Sri Lanka was idela program for us. It includes many interesting places like Yala, Udawlawe and Galle. Very relaxing trip
Sean Allan– :
The trip is short and we purposely booked it because we did not want to spend much time on sightseeing tour. We are very happy with the 3 days short trip and enjoyed a lot. We were able to see lot of things thanks to the proper planoing. Yala safari was the most memorable part of the trip and gave us perfect opprtuinity to see a large number of animals. Gihan was a very good guide and very helpful, good hotels and good vehicle too.
hams meagrow– :
Verry good Sri Lanka trip, very relaxing trip and enjoyed the beaches, wildlife and beautiful scenery in the hill country.
robin– :
Fantastic! Everyday I felt immersed, educated and safe in the Sri Lankan culture, history, wildlife, thanks to Sams hospitality and knowledge of Sri Lanka. The Itinerary was thorough and exciting – it exceeded expectations. Loved the wildlife tour and visit to the leisurely walk on the beach and all of the conversations about Sri Lankan people, history, culture, religion and spirituality.
Susan– :
We thoroughly enjoyed the southern Sri Lanak tour. Wildlife tour was the best. Our guide, Amara has a great sense of humor — which we enjoyed — and was very informative about the various sites and nature. Thanks, Amara, for a fun, interesting and tasty morning!
Debbie– :
If you are expecting to see leopards, and elephants, taste delicious seafood, walk in an ancient city with small stops along the way and dip into the warm waters of Indian Ocean – this is it. There is no end to things on the plus side, we went to places that we possibly wouldn’t have visited without planning it through an operator. Spice/herbal garden, mask museum, moonstone mines, Kande vihara, and turtle conservation are some of them. We really looked forward to enjoying the wildlife tour because we like wild animals. But Sri Lanka’s southern tour was a lot more than watching fascinating wildlife in Sri Lanka. We are very happy wiht the trip and well worth our timer and money.
Sharon– :
I feel the tour can be more interesting if the duration of the trip can be increased.
Erin– :
If you want to be entertained while enjoy the Sri Lanka beaches, take a SriLanka south coast tour with Amara. It’s clear Amara loves his country and his job, he has very good knowledge of his country, people, customs, history, religion, and nature and has a wonderful sense of humor. The tour was well organized with good hotels, and food well worth tourist attractions. Yala safari was the best and the walking tour of Galle fort was second.
Jim– :
We had a great tour with Sam! He took us to a number of great places in south sri lanka and pointed out important attractions we probably would have missed if we had done the tour on our own. Even better, he provided great context on the history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka and shared his own unique perspective. His English is outstanding.
Kumi Zu– :
I really enjoyed the trip. Sam was a perfect guide and took us to so many great eating places. Also, the hotels were much better than expected. I especially liked the hotel in Yala. It is an exhausting 3 days but you get so much out of it, so very good for a first impression on Sri Lanka:)
Taylor– :
Do it. You won’t regret it. I feel like I got to see so much in within a short time. It’s not a ‘relaxing’ pace, but we covered so much ground and saw so much each day. Wonderful experience!
Avril– :
There is no better way to see the Sri Lanka’s south coast! If you are lucky enough to get Sam as a guide , he will change your life! This is a great intro to Sri Lanka, accomodation was great, good food and excellent guide.
Neuman– :
Had a wonderful experience with Seerendipity. Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country and our wonderful guide made sure all our needs were met and that our trip was a memorable one. I will definitely travel with Seerendipity and explore the other part of Sri Lanka.
Gilbert– :
A fantastic Sri Lanka trip with some of the best sceneries and activities in Sri Lanka. It is a short trip but contains lot of fascinating stuff. comfortable accommodation, fantastic food and the best tour leaders imaginable!
laurel– :
The southern Sri Lanka tour was a great way to experience some the highlights of this beautiful country. the tour has a very interesting blend with cultural sites, temples, forts, national parks, beaches and many many more. Exceptional food, lovely people, stunning scenery.
Rasumos melanki– :
The trip is good but it is fully packed. We did not have much time to relax despite the access to fascinating beaches. Good food, accommodation. wildlife tour was a really important highlight. overall experience is good. Excellent guide too.
Richard– :
Just been on the southern Sri Lanka tour and would most definitely recommend it. The whole trip was a great insight into Sri Lanka, covering history, wildlife, fascinating beaches, traditions and people. Accommodation was excellent and the tour guide superb.
Bredon– :
As a passionate traveller I really think Seerendipity offers the best value trips with excellent itineraries ( based on my research on internet) and complete peace of mind to enjoy Sri Lanka.
Nelly– :
Fantastic way to see teh beauty of Sri Lanka. Ticks all the main boxes, but at a pace that is not too ‘full on’ – you even get to unpack in some lovely hotels. Meet the people, eat the food, and experience a country with an amazing history.
peter– :
Very interesting tour itinerary including many cultural, religious, and historic sites in the Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.The hill country was fascinating and very agreeble climate. Our exceptional tour guide, sam. was very knowledgeable, taught us a great deal, and ensured all of us was listened to and properly looked after throughout.
David– :
This south coats tour of Sri Lanka was absolutely superb. We wanted to have a short trip and specifically looked for a trip to south coast as we have travelled tp many other parts of Sri Lanka. The trip was excellent with national parks, beautiful beaches, temples, forts and beautfiul countryside. I learnt a lot even though I have been before. The tour guide knowledge was exceptional. I would thoroughly recommend this tour and Seerendipity.
Justine– :
A fantastic trip that includes the best of Sri Lanka with comfortable accommodation, fantastic food and the best tour guideimaginable!
Christine– :
This trip was a great way to see Sri Lanka’s south coat. wonderful experince with wildlife tour, Mirissa whale watching, Galle fort and south coats beach. Excellent accommodation with good food, all made this a trip worth doing. This experience was enhanced by having a very approachable and most knowledgeable tour guide, able to impart his knowledge succinctly and with humour.
Melinda– :
There are large number of interesting places to visit on this interesting tour . However, we were travelling a lot duirng the trip but never felt it. Very well planned
young Hui– :
We wanted to see the wildlife in Sri Lanka and booked it from our beach hotel. It was a dream come true and we had one of the best wildlife tours. The full day safari of Yala was fantastic and our jeep driver did a good job to show us animals. everythign was good and hill country was also good will lot of scenery
Ria mohammed– :
Very good trip. The trip is more like a wildlife tour. because the most memorable part of the trip was the full day safari at yala national park.
Peter moples– :
Excellent srilank trip with fantastic safari at Yala. The jeep ride was bit uncomfortable with frequent ups and downs in the park. Niuce food, nice hotel and good service from nihal, our driver guide.
Kiara Rao– :
Very good trip and Yala safari was the best
serena medoza– :
We are happy with the trip. But what is sad is you have no time to enjoy the beaches, nice sandy beaches. Very nice vehicle, comfortable hotels, delicious food and excellenbt guide
Neamo riza– :
Worth every penny, very good jib
Kumal miu– :
Excellent trip of Sri Lanka to see nice secenry while enjoying the beaches. Wildlife tour was fantastic and we enjoyed a lot. We were lucky enough to see all major animals in the park and our jeep driver kuma provided a fantastic service. He was on the phone many times and communicating with fellw jeep drivers in the poark and findout where are the animals were roaming at that time. In that way he took us to 2 leopards, elephants, crocodiles, bear and many otehr creatures. Our driver/guise jihan was very kind, helpful and packed with lot of information.
Julie shoy– :
The trip is good but lot of ytravelling in 3 days. Our driver/guide did a good job and he was fantastic. Good hotels, good vehicle and over all good experince.
James kuoni– :
Fantastic Sri Lanka trip. It is short but it gives you a good view over the fascinating tropical island. The beaches on the south coast are great and we had a fantastic time while enjoying the tropical beaches. One of the memorable trips for us. Our guide sam was a very nice and helpful, he did a fantastic job.